The promise of high-tech is already widely appreciated in the fields of finance and E-commerce. However, there is also a quiet revolution going on in rural and developing areas where new technologies and practices are being applied to old problems of increasing farm productivity.

The Asian Development Bank and the ADB Institute have identified a number of promising paths for agribusinesses to move into organic and niche products; promote farmer cooperatives, contract farming, and seed industries; and implement certified international food and safety standards. All these practices can help farmers in developing countries integrate faster into lucrative food value production chains underpinning global agronomy.

A recent study by ADBI Dean Naoyuki Yoshino and professors Farhad Taghizadeh-Hesary and Ehsan Rasoulinezhad convincingly demonstrates the link between rising food prices and overreliance on fossil fuels in many Asian economies. They recommend more energy diversification in agriculture using new energy technologies and renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Cheap drones can transform agriculture in the developing world, from making farming easier and more profitable by cutting costs for crop dusting and surveying, to making short-hop deliveries direct from field to market.

Real-time, publicly available data streams from satellites are helping farmers anticipate weather and boost crop yields, among many other exciting applications.

Governments in developing countries that promote agricultural trade in these ways will enjoy the trifecta wins of reducing poverty, improving nutrition for their people, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

A new animated video—the summer episode from ADBI’s 101 Smarter Ideas series—showcases these practical solutions in compelling ways that can lift farmers in developing countries out of poverty through more innovative and modern agricultural practices.
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The efficiency of solar power cells and lower cost of storage batteries means it has become possible for isolated villages and whole islands to generate their own electricity off-grid. Indeed, in the aftermath of two hurricanes that struck Puerto Rico, Elon Musk tweeted that independent solar power linked to batteries could rebuild that island’s entire electricity system.

Across Asia and in other parts of the developing world, many villages still lack an adequate and reliable supply of electricity. Often governments cannot afford to help every isolated community and banks are reluctant to lend. But the local community might be able to put together enough seed money to kick-start a village-level energy project to improve their living standards and productivity.

Solar panels, wind turbines, and micro hydro are small-scale, cheap, clean and do not damage the environment or relocate villagers. Power can be stored using efficient batteries to assure a steady supply of electricity.

When the local energy project is completed, villagers can use the electricity to empower their lives and introduce modern conveniences such as air-conditioned health clinics and well-equipped schools. It might also be possible for villagers to sell any excess supply to the national power company or a nearby factory to earn a profit.

See how these innovative funds for renewable energy have already worked in Japan, Germany, and other developing countries. Follow more smart ideas to use green finance, clean energy, and solar power with Sohail Hasnie.
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Trade in health products has been flourishing as more and more people demand better health. But countries around the world still apply tariffs and nontariff measures that jack up prices and curb the entry of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical equipment.

Trade in these products should be liberalized to bring down their prices and ensure they aren’t stuck in customs warehouses. Insulin, for example, is cheaper in open trade regimes which ensures competition between providers. Bringing down trade barriers can help greatly in building up health systems and lowering patients’ costs.

To find out more about trade and health, and other links between trade and the Sustainable Development Goals, read our latest book.